Mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds to help stop the spread of avian flu have been lifted.
The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with over 100 cases confirmed across the country since late October.
Birds had to be kept indoors to help stop the spread to the wild bird population – which resulted in free range egg producers not allowed to label their products as such.
However, the measures were lifted from midnight and poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed, unless they are in a protection zone, and will be allowed to be kept outside.
While the risk of bird flu has been reduced to medium for premises with poor biosecurity, the enhanced biosecurity requirements that were brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in force as infection may still be circulating in the environment for several more weeks. All poultry gatherings will remain banned.
In a joint statement, the UK’s four chief veterinary officers said: “Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.
“It is thanks to the hard work of all bird keepers and vets, who have played their part in keeping flocks safe this winter, that we are in a position to take this action.
“However, the recent cases of avian influenza show that it’s vital that bird keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent standards of biosecurity.”
The government said poultry and captive bird keepers must be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
All bird keepers must:
- cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
- thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
- keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
- minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
If people find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, they should be reported to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
People are reminded not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds.
